Despite the ongoing controversy of tobacco items in today’s society, they still remain a favorite among many collectors. Whatever your stand on the subject, Tobacco memorabilia is admired by collectors for its creativity and beauty.

Collecting Tobacciana is a challenging and rewarding hobby. From the
novice to the more seasoned collector, Tobacciana provides something for
everyone. Many collectors choose to collect by subject or may strictly collect a
specific item. Collecting can include a variety of tobacco and smoking related
items/products. Some of these favorites include media advertisements,
posters, cigar labels/bands, silk tobacco labels, pouches, tins, signs, lighters,
pipes, and boxes/containers, etc. When collecting don’t overlook paper items
such as stocks, certificates, tax revenues, cigarette cards, and tags. The list
seems endless of all the pieces of tobacco memorabilia.

Vignette taken from Stock certificate - The American Tobacco
Company, ca. 1960s

Since the first tobacco advertisements appeared around 1789, they have always appealed to the consumer. Attractive print ads have graced many billboards and magazines often being referred to as “The Great Seduction…with values”. These have become some of the most sought after pieces in the collectible market. Though many of these are still affordable, some older pieces in excellent condition can cost a collector
hundreds of dollars.

Colorful labels found on cigar boxes are another favorite. The beauty and artistry of these labels is
overwhelming. Cigar labels were printed by a process
known as Lithography. In the early years, cigar labels
were printed with 8 to 10 colors. Other higher priced
labels were embossed and contained bronze or 24K
gold leaf. In the 1920s, with improved automation, the
ability to reduce the ink to four colors came about. The
cigar industry began to fall and the lustrous quality of
the labels had vanished by the 1930s. Today’s
collector treasures these small works of art.

Collectors worldwide enjoy collecting Cigarette or Tobacco cards, also known as Cartophily. The cigarette
card was introduced as a packet stiffener to help strengthen the paper packaging. They would usually feature a
picture on one side and product information on the other. In the late 1800s, due to many of the tobacco users
being sailors these cards feature nautical themes. These mini advertisements range in different topics and
contain many cards to a specific series. Cards may feature movie stars, ships, aircraft, motor cars, sports,
animals, Victorian ladies, flowers, etc. Cards produced before World War II are believed to be of higher quality.
Even today new discoveries are found, continually changing the history of these cards. Studying tobacco cards
before buying is essential for the novice, for many reproductions appear in today’s market.

Fast Mail J. J. BAGLEY & CO. CHEWING

TABLE LIGHTER CA. 1920S. PIPE - G. WESTBROOK COLLECTION.

Choosing a favorite among tobacco memorabilia may be the most
challenging aspect of this hobby. From the art to the accessories, selecting
which items to collect is a great challenge.